In this rich and elegantly presented interdisciplinary study, the theme is the impact of iron technology on the material and cultural life of ancient Israel. The author argues that iron itself and the processes of ironworking functioned as dominant cultural symbols, conveying meanings about significant transformations that established Israel’s social and religious identity. This wide-ranging monograph is particularly valuable for its integration of material about ironworking in traditional African societies, anthropological theories on symbolism and archaeological information on the development of iron technology in the Near East…. More >>

Forging of Israel: Iron Technology, Symbolism and Tradition in Ancient Society

Transfer of Technology presents an eclectic and diverse mix of research strategies for understanding the impact of desertification, as well as applications for coping with arid environments. Emerging from experiences in Israel’s Negev Desert, the book should be of interest to any one concerned about the effects of global environmental change. As the subtitle “Sustainable and unsustainable experience from Israel” suggests, some learnings are more transferable than others, a challenge revealed in many chapters that examine transfer beyond Israel to other nations in Africa and Asia. The array of research reported encompasses land degradation, gully incision and desertification, draught analysis using remote sensing, ground water pollution, parasite populations in rodent species, soil and dust analysis. Contributions on social technology address human settlement, draught contingency planning, chemical safety management, and conflict resolution. Agricultural technologies specific to … More >>

Transfer of Technology: Sustainable and Unsustainable Experience from Israel